Impulses

  By Herman M. Lagon “Mga Munting Tinig (Small Voices),” a 2002 film that delves deep into our state of education, begins with a scene that resonates with many. As an idealistic music teacher, Alessandra de Rossi (Melinda) asks an older teacher why she chose to become a teacher. The experienced teacher’s response reveals a …

  By Herman M. Lagon In the heart of every thriving school lies a strong and positive culture, often described as the school’s invisible yet pervasive heartbeat. This culture, which significantly impacts every aspect of school life, from the staff’s morale to student achievement, is mainly shaped by the leadership within the institution. The importance …

  By Herman M. Lagon In the modern workplace, it is not uncommon to encounter individuals whose behavior challenges the harmony and productivity of the team. These are the toxic coworkers, individuals whose actions and attitudes can create a ripple of negativity, affecting everyone in their vicinity. Understanding and managing these personalities is not just …

  By Herman M. Lagon Metonymy, often overshadowed by its flamboyant cousin metaphor, is a figure of speech where a concept is not called by its own name, but rather by something closely associated with it. Imagine referring to the corporate world simply as “the suits” or to artistic masterpieces residing in “the Louvre.” This …

  By Herman M. Lagon A few songs challenge our socio-political narrative the way “Sayaw sa Bubog” by The Jerks does. Released amidst the early 90s, a turbulent time for the country as it wrestled with the vestiges of dictatorship and the illusions of a new democratic dawn, this song encapsulates a profound skepticism towards …

  By Herman M. Lagon Each moment, event and encounter carries a whisper of grace in our lives. This notion, deeply rooted in spiritual wisdom, especially in the teachings of St. Therese of Lisieux and the essence of Ignatian spirituality, tells us that grace intertwines with our daily experiences, shaping a life rich with meaning …

  By Herman M. Lagon In a world fixated on the end result, the journey often gets overlooked. Yet, we genuinely evolve in the journey — the process of becoming. Carol S. Dweck’s “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” champions this notion, suggesting that a fixed mindset limits growth by enforcing the idea that one …

  By Herman M. Lagon The long foreseen departure of Sara Duterte as Education Secretary has left a significant gap in the Department of Education (DepEd). To address the learning crisis and lead the ailing department effectively, the next leader must embody the best qualities of former Secretary Raul S. Roco and Bro. Armin Luistro, …

  By Herman M. Lagon This is a step backward. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian’s Electronic Gadget-Free Schools Act, while aiming to reduce distractions and improve academic performance, may inadvertently undermine the potential of using valuable technological tools in education. Instead of a ban addressing cell phones’ disruptive potential, why not embrace technology with appropriate regulations? This …

  impulsBy Herman M. Lagon As we gathered quietly to mourn and remember Tita Pilar Parreno last Sunday night, I found myself jotting down notes on my phone, deeply reflecting on the intricate weave of our existence. The somber atmosphere of Tita Pilar’s wake in a funeral home in Tanza, Iloilo City, brought about 50 …